Queers Were Here: Heroes & Icons of Queer Canada

by Robin Ganev (Editor), R.J. Gilmour (Editor)

In the twenty-first century, Canada has a reputation for being one of the most gay friendly nations on earth, a pioneer in legalizing same-sex marriage and home to enormously popular Pride parades. Yet Canada was not always so hospitable to its gay and lesbian citizens. Homosexuality was only decriminalized in Canada in 1969 and remained socially stigmatized for many years. Queers Were Here will tell personal stories to illuminate the enormous social changes that have transformed sexuality in Canada. A celebration of queer identity, this book will look back in order to look forward. The book will appeal not only to GLBT audiences but also to anyone who wants to re-examine Canada?s history and culture with fresh eyes.

Genres: History, Canada, Nonfiction, LGBT, Anthologies, Queer, Gay

200 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Katie_marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

as with any collection it is difficult to rate in its entirety. there are standout, 5-star essays and endless one-star impenetrable diatribes. regardless, it is a should-read for any young(ish) Canadian queers looking to know more about the history of those who came before us, who fought the fight. Each essay references so many people, instances and events in Canadian queer history it could lead to months of tangential research and, for that, it is a very good place to start.

[Roslin Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

CW: homophobia, police violence, mentions of pedophilia, privilege, bigotry, death by drug overdose

3.5 stars rounded up

There were some great essays within this collection, and there were some I did not love - hence the middling star review. I learned a lot though! I had no idea Toronto in the 70s and 80s had been such a hub for the queer scene! There were a few really dry essays that were a slog to get through but overall, I enjoyed most of the essays that were in this collection and I'd recommend it to someone who wanted to know more about queer history in Canada.

[Shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

"So death stalked us. So what? There was a bottomless 48-ounce bottle of vodka in the freezer and laughs to be had."
This book isn't widely known, I found it at a little indie store in Calgary, there are different essays that are varied in their writing skill, some are very good some not at all - which always makes rating a book difficult overall pick this up if you see it but don't go out of your way to find it.
I do love the cover though.